Other specified feeding and eating disorders (OSFED) and other eating disorders like orthorexia, body dysmorphia, exercise compulsion and diabulimia are believed to result from a combination of biological, psychological and sociocultural factors.
Biological causes
Genetics, family history, temperament, neurobiology influencing hunger and satiety cues
Psychological causes
Trauma, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, stress, perceived loss of control, feelings of inadequacy, loneliness, challenges with developmental milestones/change
Sociocultural causes
Pervasive thin ideal, dieting culture (including trends like elimination diets, juice cleanses, veganism, etc.), widespread encouragement of weight loss to support a “healthy” lifestyle, cultural rhetoric around obesity (laziness and lack of willpower cause obesity, not biological and psychological factors)
Learn about additional causes of eating disorders in this video:
OSFED sufferers need specialized treatment
With the right care, those suffering from an OSFED can experience full recovery through treatment that is tailored to their specific disorder behaviors. Please call us to learn more about how our ERC treatment teams can help you or your loved one get relief from disordered behaviors. Call us at 877-825-8584 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our Masters-level clinicians.